Leadovation W. David Prescott and Michael Ashley: ESG, National Security, and the Future of Freedom: What Leaders Can’t Afford to Ignore
About W. David Prescott and Michael Ashley:
W. David Prescott is a veteran geologist and environmental consultant with over 30 years of experience in groundwater protection, remediation, and regulatory compliance. Licensed in Texas and Wyoming, he holds advanced degrees in Environmental Science and Business and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science. A champion of market-driven sustainability, he serves on community and state boards shaping policies that balance environmental health with economic growth.
Michael Ashley is a former Disney story consultant, Chapman University screenwriting professor, and author of 20+ books, including four bestsellers. He coauthored Own the A.I. Revolution, which was launched at the UN’s AI for Good Summit and recognized as a top business book of 2019. A columnist for Forbes and Entrepreneur, his work has been widely featured, and he is a sought-after keynote speaker on AI, storytelling, and innovation.
In this episode, Dean, W. David, and Michael discuss:
- The evolution of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) from shareholder to stakeholder capitalism
- Penalties and financial consequences for companies not meeting ESG standards
- Global competition in energy and AI between the U.S., China, and India
- Risks of programmable money and digital currencies on personal and business freedom
- The framing of today’s global tensions as a “spiritual war” between control and freedom
Key Takeaways:
- ESG shifted from a voluntary “carrot” to a mandatory “stick,” with companies losing access to capital or suffering stock devaluation if they fail to comply.
- U.S. energy companies saw Wall Street investment in energy drop from 16–18% to just 3% by 2000 due to ESG pressures, while China and India rapidly expanded hydrocarbon and nuclear production.
- The U.S. is falling behind in AI and energy infrastructure, as China currently has 28 nuclear plants under construction while the U.S. has none.
- Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) could one day enforce ESG compliance by shutting off funds for companies or individuals exceeding government-imposed environmental thresholds.
"Imagine us playing chess against China, and China having an IQ of 10,000 while we’re sitting there with an IQ of 100.” — W. David Prescott
"America is not an evil country. In fact, America is the best country the world has ever seen, and we want to export these ideas of freedom that are different from China.” — Michael Ashley
Connect with W. David and Michael:
Website: https://creativedestruction.gr-site.com/
Book: Creative Destruction: https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Destruction-Mandates-Destroying-Capitalism/dp/B0D64WSNP9
W. David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/w-david-prescott-p-g-b1600714/
Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelashleywriter/
See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I
Connect with Dean:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw
Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/
The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/
Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.com
Phone: 1-800-926-7370
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